Arts & Skills

The Cooper and His Trade - $21.95

Kenneth Kilby. This is the first book on coopering by a cooper. This trade is virtually at an end in Great Britain, with barrels of wood replaced by plastic. However, Mr. Kilby, coming from a family of coopers, once apprenticed to the trade, brings us the knowledge of this skill. The first part of this partially autobiographical title deals with materials, tools, and techniques, the second deals with the organization and conditions of work, and the social history of coopering. Tr pb, 192pp, 140 line drawings, 36b/w photos. Linden Publishing Co.

An Early Lace Workbook: Bobbin Lace Techniques  Before the Baroque - $40

Rosemary Shepherd.  The author has studied lace-making deeply over the past 40 years.  The book deals with the early years of bobbin lace, including materials and equipment, bobbin lace in early paintings, selected patterns, and instructions for reconstructing surviving lace patterns. Oversize tr paper, 83pp, bibliog. – including internet sources, instructional diagrams and photos of completed pieces. Lace Daisy Press

English Historical Carpentry - $24.95

Cecil A. Hewitt. This book on historic building construction is fascinating. Hewitt’s contribution to architectural history is his proof that the methods of assembling timber buildings, particularly the joints used, follows a strict historical sequence, as datable as pottery.  The book includes extensive joinery illustrations, and an in-depth discussion of timber framing. Tr paper, 338pp, line drawings throughout, extensive indices.. Linden Publishing Co.

Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo - $21.95

Jacqui Carey. This book provides a fresh approach to this ancient craft. Clear step-by-step photos guide the beginner through 6 projects. There are tips on equipment, and advice on how to develop the projects, using a variety of patterns, colors, and textures. Hardcover/spiral interior binding, 96pp, full color photos throughout, index.

The Practical Guide to Medieval Adhesives - $5.00

Maya Heath. The author reminds us that in the past, as now, things needed to be held together. “Mechanical methods were not always practical or entirely secure” and people turned to adhesives for lasting attachments. This book contains an introduction, which includes a discussion of tools, materials, and safety precautions, and instructions on the making and use of milk and casein glues, hide glues, fish glues, combination adhesives, hide glue’s use in painting, vegetable gums, and wheat or gluten paste. A list of weights and measures, a brief bibliography, and notes complete this handy little volume. Perfect-bound pamphlet, 52pp, 25 illus. SCA

Brewing

The Origins of Mead - $5.00

Elspeth Payne. Considers Who Made the Mead: Men or Women?, Bees and Beekeeping, The Nature of Honey, Bees and Honey in Christianity, Bees in War, and Geographical References. Extensive end-notes and references. Perfect-bound pamphlet, 59pp. SCA

Uncorking The Past: The quest for wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages - $29.95

Patrick E McGovern. In this lively tour around the world and through the millennia, the author tells the compelling story of humanity’s ingenious, intoxicating quest for the perfect drink. This perfect drink, whether it be mind-altering, medicinal, a religious symbol, a social lubricant, or artists inspiration, has not only been a profound force in history, but may also be fundamental to the human condition itself. Hardcover, 320pp, 10 color photos, 30 b/w photos, 4 maps. Extensive index, select bibliog.. University of California Press

Cookery

The Decorative Art of Japanese Food Carving:  - $24.95

Hiroshi Nagashima. Welcome to the elegant world of Japanese food presentation, where the garnish adds the final flourish to the dish. All of the garnishes presented here are edible, whether topping the food or containing it. 60 different garnishes, from the simple to the complex, are presented, with clear instructions and sample food arrangements. Hardcover, 112 pp, 96 color pages. Kodansha

Plenti and Grase: Food and Drink in a  Sixteenth-century Household - $60.00

Mark Dawson. This is an important study of the household affairs—especially as they relate to the provisioning and consumption of food and drink—of the Willoughby family of Wollaton Hall in Nottingham and Middleton Hall in Warwickshire. The Willoughby archive is a wonderful survival, and Dawson has used it to construct a valuable account on the running of a large household as well as to offer convincing quantities and figures as firm foundation to his commentary. His focus is not restricted to the top table, but includes the food of the household at large, even down to scullions. Hardcover, 400pp, dj, references & notes, bibliog., extensive index, appendices, 5 b/w illus, 18 b/w photos, map. Prospect Books

Tastes and Temptation: Food and Art in Renaissance Italy - $29.95

John Varriano. A feast for the mind and eye, this beautifully illustrated, compellingly readable book is a rich exploration of the little-examined interplay between art and cuisine during the Italian Renaissance. He looks at the elaborate centerpieces that were made of food, and at the emergence of the celebrity cook and celebrity painter. Hardcover, 275pp, 75 color illus, dj, notes, bibliog., index. University of California Press

True History of Chocolate (2^nd edition) - $21.95

Sophie and Michael Coe. This thorough book begins with the history of the cacao tree and follows the story up to today’s mass-produced candies and their expensive boutique counterparts. This is a beautifully written, indexed, and illustrated history of the Food of the Gods. Tr paper, 280pp, notes, bibliog., index12 color photos, numerous b/w illus. Thames and Hudson.

Wild Sourdough: The Natural Way to Bake  - $24.95

Yoke Mardewi. With more than 45 easy-to-follow recipes written specially for home bakers, this book invites you to go back to the basics, with sourdough ferments. Tr paper, 223pp, index New Holland Pres

Costume

Hispanic Costume, 1480 – 1530.  - $29.00

Ruth Matilda Anderson.  Covering an important transitional period in Iberian history, this book is essential for students of the area. Material on both outer and inner garments is supplied. Covers every aspects of dress, from headgear and hair styles to shoes and hose. Discussions are accompanied by a multitude of photographs of sculpture and period art. Exceptionally clear pictures make this a very useful title. Impressive notes, bibliog., and index. Cloth, 269 pp, 569 b/w, 8 color illos. Hispanic Society

Medieval Dress and Fashion - $29.00

Margaret Scott. The author presents a fascinating narrative of the history of European clothing for roughly 600 years from the tenth century onwards. Illuminated manuscripts are a treasure trove of information on the clothing people wore, or wanted to be seen to wear, in greater or lesser European courts, but she reminds us that written records, like household accounts, are a valuable complement to the pictures. Scott has clearly not only examined the manuscript illustrations but also a great many medieval documents from many countries. Tr paper, 208pp, 120 color plates,20 b/w illus, chapter-by-chapter bibliog., glossary, index. British Library.

Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry - $24.95

Dylon Whyte. Fine chain mail jewelry enhanced with fabulous beads/ Chain mail jewelry is beautiful in and of itself, but when you add beautiful beads, it becomes spectacular.  Learn the fundamentals, a technique for threading the beads onto chain mail, and eight weave patterns, then try your hand at 27 pretty patterns. These pieces are true showstoppers. HC, dw, 144p, index, email list of suppliers. Lark/Sterling

Celtic Design & Ornament for Calligraphers - $9.00

Jack Mackinder. The marvels of Celtic ornament depend on understanding how to design the pattern. The author provides a key to these marvelous designs, re-creating the precise geometric methods used by 7^th to 9^th century scribes and artificers. Clear diagrams, many in 2 colors, and detailed text. TR paper, 96p, bibliog.Thames & Hudson

Chain Mail Jewelry - $24.95

Terry Taylor & Dylon Whyte.  Contemporary designs from classic techniques. Make dazzling, distinctive jewelry by interlinking metal rings, whether commercial or your own making. Once used to make protective garments, chain mail techniques and patterns have now been adapted to jewelry making by innovative artists. Requires very few tools, yet you’ll achieve impressive results. 30 extraordinary projects HC, dj, 144pp, index, key to wire gauges. Lark/Sterling

Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo - $21.95

Jacqui Carey. Provides a fresh approach to this traditional craft, with clear step-by-step color photos for six projects, which show how to make a variety of different braids. Includes tips on equipment and advice on how to create patterns for 70 additional braids. HC/spiral-interior to lie flat, 96pp, index. Search Press

Feeding Desire: Design & the Tools of the Table, 1500-2005 = $30.00

Catalog of the exquisite exhibition at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, this splendid volume displays flatware & cutlery of both ordinary and festive tables.  Explores the evolution, physical forms, and social meaning of eating utensils over the past 5 centuries.  Includes 7 original essays. Color photos, designs & sketches throughout. HC, dw, 288p, 11p list of plates, 6p end notes, select bibliog., index. Assouline0

Medieval Cuisine of the Islamic World  PAPER - $18.95

Lilia Zaouali, translated by M B De Bevoise, with a foreword by Charles Perry. This concise history, a delightful culinary adventure that is part history and part cookbook, surveys the gastronomical art that developed at the Caliph’s sumptuous palaces in ninth and tenth century Baghdad, drew inspiration from Persian, Greco-Roman, and Turkish cooking, and rapidly spread across the Mediter-ranean. The book also gathers an extensive selection of original recipes drawn from medieval culinary sources, as well as contemporary recipes that evoke the flavors of the Middle Ages. PAPER, 238pp, 32 color illustrations.

Univ California Press

Preserved - $22.95

Nick Sandler & Johnny Acton. This elegant book contains instructions on techniques and recipes for using the products of drying, salting, smoking (both hot and cold), pickling, preserving in sugar and alcohol, sausages and salamis, infused oils and vinegars, fermenting, bottling and canning air exclusion, and freezing. TR paper, 224pp, color photos throughout, index, list of useful sources.

Kyle Books................................. $22.95

Book of Swords

Hank Reinhardt. Much of what ‘everyone’ knows about swords is wrong. To correct this, the author (one of the foremost experts in historical weaponry & combat) presents the little-known history of, and surprising facts about, the most romanticized of weapons. Illus w/photos & diagrams. TR paper, 235ppSuggested readings at the end of each chapter. Tor

Your Noblest Shippe: The Mary Rose: Anatomy of a Tudor Warship - $90.00

Peter Marsden, editor.  This volume is concerned primarily with a detailed description of the Mary Rose and how she operated as a functional warship. Evidence is presented for how the ship was designed and built and how the timbered were fashioned. The structure of the ship and her rigging as she was in 1545 are described deck by deck and lavishly illustrated, including reconstructed deck plans. A summary of the ship’s armaments is provided, and her fighting capabilities considered.  HC, 2 volumes, 418p, 287 b/w illus, index. Mary Rose Trust

At Home in Renaissance Italy - $50.00

Marts Ajmar-Wollheim & Flora Dennis, editors. This lavishly illustrated volume is the first to consider the urban Italian household as a crucible for the development of art & culture. Evoking the spaces in which everyday lives were lived, it presents an entirely fresh approach to the period. Sections include: Defining the Casa, Living, Everyday Activities, Sociability & Entertainment,  Art & Objects. Oversize HC, dw, 420pp, index, extensive bibliog., notes & sources,  summary catalog w/sources of plates, color photos on almost every page  Victoria & Albert/Getty

Olivetan Gradual - $35.00

Milvia Bolati. This illuminated manuscript, a gradual of large size which an entire congregation of monks could see and read as they sang in choir, was previously unknown to scholars, and has only recently come to light.  It was produced for a branch of the Benedictines with a particular reverence for the Virgin. The fine illus (attributed to Girolamo da Milano, d 1449) add new information on the art of this master. TR paper, 64pp, 50 color illus. Univ WA

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